This week we Take Five with Brianna O'Connor, a junior at West Milford High School involved in the Empty Bowls project. It may look easy to make a bowl but it's really not. Brianna loves being creative and gets lots of support in reaching her dreams. Be sure to go to westmilfordmessenger.com for our bonus five with Brianna.

Name: Brianna O’Connor

Age: 16

School/Grade: Junior

Activity: Empty Bowls

1. How did you get involved with Empty Bowls?

I was able to get involved with the Empty Bowls project because of my 8th period Sculpture teacher Mrs. Gallaugher. She has been able to put on the Empty Bowls Project for six years now!

2. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My parents are my biggest inspiration. They always encourage me to follow my heart and dreams no matter what it may be.

3. What would most people be surprised to know about Empty Bowls?

Most people would be surprised to know that it normally takes a person about 100 tries before they can master bowl making.

4. Who is your favorite teacher of all time? Why?

Mrs. Gallaugher is my favorite teacher because she never says no when it comes to being creative, if you can dream it, you can do it!

5. What is your favorite movie, book or character? Why?

My favorite movie is the 1988 movie, Beetlejuice. I love how wild and creative it is! It's so intriguing!

Beetlejuice is a unique movie, for sure! And Empty Bowls is a wonderful project in which to be involved. Great job, Brianna.

Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? We want to feature all of the terrific young people in the township. Email us at njoffice@strausnews.com to nominate someone.

Bonus five

6. Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island?

If I were to be deserted on an island, the three things I would bring would be a pilot, a plane filled with all the necessities to fly, and a map so we could make it home safely!

7. Share a favorite moment with your group/club/team.

My favorite moments with my sculpture class has to be when we are finished with the project. We do a critique where we lay out all of our work and admire each other's creativity.

8. What does being a Highlander mean to you?

Being a Highlander to me means being respectful to others and pursuing my dreams no matter how hard they may be.

9. What do you do with your time, when you are not sculpting?

When I am not in sculpture class, I like to spend my time outside and working with animals, like my dog or horses.

10. Share something no one knows about you.

Something no one except my family and really close friends knows about me is my extreme love for horses.